The Social History of the Sari - Sartorial Politics in Colonial Bengal

Explore the transformation of women's clothing in colonial India through this 30-minute lecture, focusing specifically on how the sari evolved from regional garment to symbol of national identity. Examine the social and political dimensions of women's dress codes in colonial Bengal, where debates about appropriate female attire first emerged. Trace the historical development of sartorial politics and understand how clothing choices became intertwined with questions of cultural identity, nationalism, and social reform during the colonial period. Analyze the complex negotiations between tradition and modernity that shaped women's fashion choices and discover how the sari came to represent a unified Indian identity across diverse regional cultures.